Did you know that developing the lower brain and midbrain is related to the movements of early childhood? And, that because of neuroplasticity, these movements can be done at any stage of life?
So WHY you would want to develop these parts of your brain? Because if your lower brain (pons) and midbrain aren't fully developed, your prefrontal cortex gets overloaded and guess what -- life is … [Read more...]

Standing, each of us close our eyes, slowly bringing one foot off the floor. We're watching National Geographic Channel's NEW Brain Games: Super Senses.
When we fall, each person opens their eyes to check the seconds passed. According to Jason Silva, the host of Brain Games, the seconds lasted will show how old we are.
He's right.
It's freaky.
But we love it! Because WHOA -- brain … [Read more...]

This month we're building gratitude habit with a family activity: the "BOOK OF AWESOME". It's SO important to me that my children spend time in gratitude each day. Since gratitude is truly a daily practice much more than it is an attitude, I wanted to build in a new family way to find the good in every day. (Because maybe, just maybe, this will curb complaining!?)
Our Family Gratitude … [Read more...]

I believe in the power of mindfulness which is why I'm teaching mindfulness to my kids.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is being aware of what's going on in the present moment. For kids, it helps focus attention, improve self-regulation (impulsivity and decision making,) build resiliency to stress and develop a positive mindset.
"With mindfulness, we can preserve our inner joy, so that we can … [Read more...]

A new survey of parents released this month by PBS KIDS says more than half of kids will find a tech gift under the tree.
Wow!
And, most of these gifts will be tablets. (Edging out video game consoles.)
Which made me think . . ., if all of us are buying technology for kids, is this a good or a bad thing for kids? And how do we know?
I had the opportunity to talk with Lesli Rotenberg, … [Read more...]

Doodling builds brain connections -- it's great for you and your kids. Take doodling to the next level and try zentangles. In fact, host your own DIY zentangle camp for kids!
Why Doodle?
If you're a visual or kinesthetic learner, doodling helps you learn and recall information. Sunny Brown says in her TED Talk, "People who doodle when they’re exposed to verbal information retain more of that … [Read more...]

Who else gets spring break next week?
Next week on Imagination Soup I'll share fun play and create ideas for your spring break days. Today, here are my favorite links and resources from the week. Enjoy the weekend, friends.
How Creativity Works from NPR
Jonah Lehrer talks about his new book, Imagine: How Creativity Works. Watch the book trailer.
A Blog as Therapy for Teenagers via … [Read more...]

Teaching children to think about their thinking, or metacognition, is essential.
Confucius said, "A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it is committing another mistake."
Or, as Dr. Phil asks his dysfunctional guests, "How's that working for you?"
When learners become conscious of their thinking, they can become aware of their strengths and the strategies that are useful … [Read more...]

Guest post by Nikki Crouse, mom and fitness expert.
First of all, let me be clear about the fact that I was never the kid who moved gracefully and was usually one of the last people picked when teams were divided up in gym class. I tripped over invisible lines and, when I was brave enough to wear shorts, everyone made fun of my purple, splotchy legs. I rarely made a basket, fainted during two … [Read more...]

Brain Rules for Baby by John Medina is an excellent, well-researched book about parenting using the latest brain research - it's almost as good as his You Tube videos where he elaborates on the brain function with hilarious skits and easy-to-follow information.
Why Parents Should Read Brain Rules for Baby
Medina, a developmental molecular biologist and dad, isn't selling you a program of … [Read more...]